German loss in the North on 19 December 1941

[Laurent Rizzotti]

Hello,

German losses list show that the Bf 109 E-7 WNr 6315 of 14./JG 77 was lost on 19 December 1941. It was hit in an air battle and force-landed in Lake Engozero area, in Louhi area. The pilot was unhurt according to the German loss lists.

As lake Engozero was in the Soviet held area, I guess that means that the pilot was rescued, probably from the air. Can someone give more detail about this rescue operation ?

I will also be interested to have more details about the Soviet aircraft involved in the above air battle. The site below is usually giving both sides or air battle, but had no details for the Soviet side this day:
http://eismeerjager.livejournal.com/2898.html

Thanks in advance

[markjsheppard]

Hi Laurent,

Not sure if it was an emergency landing on the lake which is pretty large or just nearby. Lake would be a good option considering the terrain. It was probably salvaged by the Russians due to it being early in the season though this also depended on accessibility.

As for the recovery pilot could have been Lt Wulf-Dietrich Witowitz. He was the recovery pilot for BF110E-2 W.Nr4502 of 6.(Z)/JG5 lost in March 1942.

I am assuming it was via Fiesler Storch as frozen. Used Ar-199 and Ar-196 in the summer months.

regards

Mark